◄ 1 Kings 7:2 ►
He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting the cedar beams.
Study Bible
He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon
This phrase refers to a significant structure constructed by King Solomon, known for its grandeur and opulence. The "House of the Forest of Lebanon" was likely named for its extensive use of cedar wood, which was imported from the forests of Lebanon, a region renowned for its high-quality timber. This building served multiple purposes, including as an armory and a place for Solomon's court. The use of cedar symbolizes strength and durability, qualities associated with Solomon's reign. The name also evokes the imagery of a forest, suggesting a vast and majestic space.

a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high
The dimensions of the House of the Forest of Lebanon indicate its impressive size and scale. A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches (45 centimeters), making the building approximately 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. These measurements reflect the grandeur typical of Solomon's constructions, paralleling the dimensions of the temple he built for the Lord, though the temple was more sacred. The size of the building underscores Solomon's wealth and the prosperity of Israel during his reign.

with four rows of cedar pillars
The mention of "four rows of cedar pillars" highlights the architectural sophistication and the use of high-quality materials. Cedar was a prized wood in the ancient Near East, valued for its resistance to decay and insects. The pillars would have provided structural support and added to the aesthetic appeal of the building. This detail also suggests a connection to the temple, which similarly used cedar wood, indicating a continuity in Solomon's building projects and a reflection of divine order and beauty.

supporting the cedar beams
The cedar beams supported by the pillars would have formed the framework of the roof, contributing to the building's stability and elegance. This construction technique reflects the advanced engineering skills of the time and the influence of Phoenician craftsmanship, as Hiram of Tyre, a Phoenician king, supplied materials and labor for Solomon's projects. The use of cedar beams also symbolizes the enduring nature of Solomon's kingdom, as cedar was known for its longevity. This architectural detail can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate support and foundation for believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the construction of the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Known for his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's reign was marked by extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. House of the Forest of Lebanon
A significant structure built by Solomon, named for its extensive use of cedar wood from Lebanon. It served as an armory and a place for public gatherings and royal ceremonies.

3. Lebanon
A region known for its cedar trees, which were highly valued for construction due to their durability and fragrance. The cedars of Lebanon were a symbol of strength and beauty.

4. Cedar Pillars
The structural elements of the House of the Forest of Lebanon, highlighting the grandeur and opulence of Solomon's building projects.

5. Cedar Beams
Used in the construction of the house, these beams were supported by the cedar pillars, emphasizing the architectural sophistication of the time.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Wisdom in Leadership
Solomon's ability to undertake such grand projects was a testament to the wisdom God granted him. Leaders today can learn from Solomon's example to seek divine wisdom in their endeavors.

Symbolism of Cedar
The use of cedar wood symbolizes strength and endurance. Believers can reflect on the importance of building their lives on strong, enduring principles rooted in God's Word.

God's Provision and Resources
The resources used in Solomon's building projects were abundant and of high quality, reminding us that God provides for His purposes. We should trust in His provision for our needs.

The Role of Beauty and Art in Worship
The grandeur of Solomon's constructions, including the House of the Forest of Lebanon, reflects the value of beauty and art in worship and honoring God.

Stewardship of Resources
Solomon's use of resources for building projects highlights the importance of wise stewardship. Believers are called to manage their resources responsibly for God's glory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's construction of the House of the Forest of Lebanon reflect his priorities as a leader, and what can we learn from this about setting priorities in our own lives?

2. In what ways do the materials and design of the House of the Forest of Lebanon symbolize strength and beauty, and how can these qualities be reflected in our spiritual lives?

3. How does the use of cedar wood in Solomon's building projects connect to other biblical references to cedar, and what spiritual lessons can we draw from this?

4. What does the grandeur of Solomon's building projects teach us about the role of beauty and art in worship and honoring God?

5. How can we apply the principles of wise stewardship and resource management demonstrated by Solomon in our own lives and communities today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 6
Describes the construction of Solomon's Temple, providing context for the architectural style and materials used in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

2 Chronicles 9
Offers additional details about Solomon's wealth and the grandeur of his reign, including his building projects.

Isaiah 2:13
References the cedars of Lebanon as symbols of pride and loftiness, which can be connected to the grandeur of Solomon's constructions.
Sermons
Building God's House and One's OwnJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 7:1-12
The Satisfaction of Completing a Work1 Kings 7:1-12
People
Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan
Topics
Beams, 50, 100, Breadth, Buildeth, Built, Cedar, Cedar-beams, Cedar-pillars, Cedar-wood, Columns, Cubits, Fifty, Forest, Height, Hight, Hundred, Lebanon, Length, Lines, Palace, Pillars, Resting, Rows, Supporting, Supports, Thereof, Thirty, Trimmed, Wide, Width, Woods
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:2

     4448   forests
     4803   breadth
     5240   building

1 Kings 7:1-2

     5478   property, houses

1 Kings 7:1-3

     5119   Solomon, life of

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

1 Kings 7:2-3

     4424   cedar

Library
Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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